The Government of British Columbia recognizes the important role of newcomers to help build B.C.’s strong and sustainable economy.

When newcomers arrive in B.C., they often need supports to adjust. These include finding good jobs to help support their families.

The Province is investing in settlement and skills training programs, so newcomers have a solid foundation to build a new life in British Columbia.

These investments complement existing services available to all British Columbians, such as world class education and health care.

Facts:

• While primary responsibility for delivering settlement and resettlement services to immigrants and refugees rests with the federal government, the Province invests in:
  • Orientation, information and referral of newcomers to relevant services and community connections.
  • Training to assist newcomers improve their English, including tuition-free language training at participating B.C. public post-secondary institutions.
  • Training and supports to help skilled immigrants and refugees access employment in B.C. that aligns with their pre-arrival training and education, including assistance with re-credentialling.
  • Trauma counselling supports for refugees to support successful settlement.
  • Employment programs such as the Employment Program of BC and the B.C. Employer Training Grant, which help immigrants and refugees find employment.
• The WelcomeBC.ca portal for new and prospective British Columbians is a key resource with:
  • Information on language training and other settlement services, and help finding employment and a place to live;
  • Videos on a range of topics including settling and working in B.C.; and
  • Success stories of newcomers in B.C.
• The Province also produces a Newcomers’ Guide that answer many questions newcomers have to help make it easier for them to settle into life in B.C.: https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/Newcomers-Guides